During his visit to Cameroon, Peope Leo cautioned against the misuse of religion for political or military gains, urging leaders to choose dialogue over violence. The visit shines a spotlight on Cameroon’s largely overlooked Anglophone crisis, which has displaced thousands and destabilised the region.
BY PC Bureau
April 16, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has delivered a strong condemnation of global conflict and exploitation, warning that a “handful of tyrants” are driving wars and suffering across the world, as he called for peace during a visit to Cameroon’s conflict-hit Anglophone region.
Speaking in the city of Bamenda, the epicentre of a long-running separatist crisis, the pope was greeted by large, jubilant crowds who lined the streets with music, dancing, and celebrations. His visit has drawn international attention to a conflict that has persisted for nearly a decade but remains largely overlooked globally.
During his visit, Leo presided over an interfaith peace gathering that brought together religious leaders from different communities, including Christian clergy, Muslim representatives, and traditional authorities. The initiative aimed to highlight ongoing grassroots efforts to end the violence and support victims of the conflict.
Addressing the gathering at St Joseph Cathedral, the pope praised these peace efforts while warning against the misuse of religion in conflicts. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he said, cautioning that invoking faith for political, military, or economic agendas only deepens divisions and suffering.
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Calling for a “decisive change of course,” he criticised the exploitation of both people and natural resources, arguing that such practices fuel instability and prolong violence. “The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet held together by countless people of goodwill,” he said.
His remarks come at a time of heightened global tensions, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, where religious narratives have increasingly been invoked by political actors. Though he did not name specific leaders, his message was seen as a broader appeal against war and geopolitical rivalry.
The pope is also expected to celebrate a mass in Bamenda before returning to the capital, Yaoundé. His visit follows a temporary pause in fighting announced by separatist groups to ensure safe passage.
The conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions dates back to colonial-era divisions between French- and British-administered territories. Since 2017, separatist groups have been fighting for independence, alleging long-standing political and economic marginalisation. The violence has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands, according to international observers.
Leo also pointed to the role of resource exploitation in perpetuating conflict, noting that profits from natural wealth are often diverted into weapons, sustaining cycles of violence. “It is a world turned upside down,” he said, urging global conscience to reject such systems.
His visit, marked by both symbolism and direct messaging, is being seen as a significant attempt to spotlight one of Africa’s most underreported crises while reinforcing calls for peace, dialogue, and accountability.
